CNN commentator Jack Cafferty summarized the conclusion of the mainstream media by stating that former Governor Sarah Palin, "won't have the same impact if she doesn't carry the mantle of governor of Alaska....she becomes...a thumbsucker."

In a related story, on September 30, 2009, Sarah Palin's memoir Going Rogue shattered records by hitting number one at Amazon and Barnes & Noble...48 days before the book even hits shelves. Not bad for a thumbsucker. To put it in perspective, at the time Sarah's book catapulted to the top of the bestseller list, it didn't even have a cover and hadn't even been edited yet.

One might begin to wonder how Cafferty can be so clueless and still keep his job -- even if it is on a network that just became a laughingstock by fact-checking a Saturday Night Live skit in defense of their beloved Obama. But the truth is that Cafferty is merely mimicking the uncontrolled Palin-derangement that plagues the entire left-wing old media.

Since the moment she burst onto the national scene, there has been an unparalleled effort amongst the so-called sophisticated elites to destroy Sarah Palin. Unparalleled, but not unprecedented.

In the 1970s, the dominant left feared the rise of another radical right-wing governor of a western state -- you might remember his name: Ronald Reagan -- and they utilized a full arsenal of tactics to try to slow his meteoric rise. Comparing their words and actions then to their current anti-Palin crusade now is stunning.

First, the media attempted to downplay Reagan's intellect. They called him a buffoon, an empty suit, dim. They said this despite Reagan's articulate approach to issues and his effective leadership of the country's most populous state. Surely no one needs to be reminded of the Tina Fey parodies, the New York Times' references to "Caribou Barbie," or Newsweek's declaration that Palin was an "ill-informed, inarticulate, shopaholic" to see how little has changed in the left's playbook. They said all this of Palin despite her breadth of knowledge on key domestic issues like energy and her effective leadership of the country's largest state.

The old media also denounced Reagan as unqualified. He was just a "B-movie actor" who spent more time focusing on campus athletics at his second-rate college than he did academics. That sounds startlingly similar to CNN's Fareed Zakaria who wrote, "Sarah Palin is utterly unqualified to be vice president," and other left-wing media sources that scoffed at her degree from the "substandard" University of Idaho. The parallels don't end there:

Reagan was the target of ageism (New York Times Magazine in 1976 proclaimed Reagan "too old to run"), while Palin is the target of sexism (the Today Show, Washington Post, and PBS all suggested Palin should be staying home with her kids).

Reagan was proclaimed politically dead after his term as governor ended (Newsweek in a 1971 piece called "Ronald Reagan's Slow Fade" said that Sacramento would "mark the end of Ronald Reagan's political road"), while Palin has been labeled finished after resigning the governorship of Alaska (David Shuster on MSNBC prophesied, "I've said it before, I'll say it again, Sarah Palin will never recover from this....she has no future")...

Reagan was termed a radical (columnist John Coyne wrote, "Reagan seems somewhat out of step with the new political stirrings"), while Palin is called a right-wing nut (columnist Jonathan Alter lamented, "She is a far-right conservative who...thinks global warming is a hoax and backs the teaching of creationism in schools").

Reagan used TV and radio appearances to address fundamental issues of the day without having to worry about his words going through the filter of the liberal media. Palin is accomplishing the same thing through her utilization of Facebook, Twitter, and the new media.

Is it possible these are nothing but coincidences? Sure. But perhaps they're not.

Try as they might, the left ended up completely impotent in their efforts to dampen the American public's fascination and admiration of Reagan. As Palin chooses which of her more than 1,100 speaking offers to accept, packs venues and sells out banquets, watches her book soar to unmatched sales numbers, curries political favors from Republican Party officials for lending her star power to their events, and uses her charisma -- unrivaled on the right -- to build momentum towards 2012, perhaps the mainstream media helplessly sees the writing on the wall.

I don't see it. While I don't buy the "dumb as a box of rocks" promoted by the left wing media, I have listened to her speak and do not see her as Reagan's equal.

She did some good things as gov of Alaska. But Alaska while huge geographically is tiny population wise.

I suspect she IS done at the national level. Now, based on her track record it is possible she could be elected Senator from Alaska. Though that will be tougher since she resigned as governor. Has to explain that move and how she won't do the same if the heat starts in the senate.

If she serves 4 years in the Senate then perhaps there is a national role left in her. But not without service in DC at a level below POTUS.

(Of course the fact Obama was LESS qualified than Palin is irrelevant to the issue:rolleyes:)

Rockntractor

10-12-2009, 12:10 PM

Reagan was a politician many years before he became president.

PoliCon

10-12-2009, 12:48 PM

I love how threatened the left are by her.

megimoo

10-12-2009, 12:49 PM

I don't see it. While I don't buy the "dumb as a box of rocks" promoted by the left wing media, I have listened to her speak and do not see her as Reagan's equal.

She did some good things as gov of Alaska. But Alaska while huge geographically is tiny population wise.

I suspect she IS done at the national level. Now, based on her track record it is possible she could be elected Senator from Alaska. Though that will be tougher since she resigned as governor. Has to explain that move and how she won't do the same if the heat starts in the senate.

If she serves 4 years in the Senate then perhaps there is a national role left in her. But not without service in DC at a level below POTUS.

(Of course the fact Obama was LESS qualified than Palin is irrelevant to the issue:rolleyes:)

Every poll that I've seen that includes her as a possible Presidential candidate she has won handily .People are angry and distrust either national party with the liberal Democrats being the least trusted and absolutely feared and hated by the Senior Citizens.

The Republicans aren't much better with that traitorous McCain,Lindsey,Snow and the rest of the RINO'S kissing liberals asses at every opportunity .

The Liberal media whine about some Republicans being too far to the right but ignore the anti Constitutional Liberal who are too far to the left !

There isn't a single critter in high office in either party who I would vote for this term except Palin,If she runs.

If I had my way the entire Congress would be run out of office never to serve again .If we can survive that Communistic Idiot in the White House we will be,as an nation,very,very fortunate !

GrumpyOldLady

10-13-2009, 07:27 AM

I love how threatened the left are by her.
Which I don't understand.
She quit. She's done on a national level.
So why are they still afraid??
It doesn't make sense.

expat-pattaya

10-13-2009, 10:03 AM

Every poll that I've seen that includes her as a possible Presidential candidate she has won handily .People are angry and distrust either national party with the liberal Democrats being the least trusted and absolutely feared and hated by the Senior Citizens.

The Republicans aren't much better with that traitorous McCain,Lindsey,Snow and the rest of the RINO'S kissing liberals asses at every opportunity .

The Liberal media whine about some Republicans being too far to the right but ignore the anti Constitutional Liberal who are too far to the left !

There isn't a single critter in high office in either party who I would vote for this term except Palin,If she runs.

If I had my way the entire Congress would be run out of office never to serve again .If we can survive that Communistic Idiot in the White House we will be,as an nation,very,very fortunate !

I am a realist. Most of the media hates her. They will try, and very subtly and overtly, to convince Americans she is both stupid and radical. I believe they can succeed because she doesn't play the game well enough.

Unless you wish to see a string of D commies in the whitehouse you will need to embrace the fact that only a right/center candidate can win from the GOP.

ExLiberal

10-13-2009, 10:09 AM

I am a realist. Most of the media hates her. They will try, and very subtly and overtly, to convince Americans she is both stupid and radical. I believe they can succeed because she doesn't play the game well enough.

Unless you wish to see a string of D commies in the whitehouse you will need to embrace the fact that only a right/center candidate can win from the GOP.

Agreed. There's no way Obama's losing to Sarah Palin.

PoliCon

10-13-2009, 11:16 AM

I am a realist. Most of the media hates her. They will try, and very subtly and overtly, to convince Americans she is both stupid and radical. I believe they can succeed because she doesn't play the game well enough.

Unless you wish to see a string of D commies in the whitehouse you will need to embrace the fact that only a right/center candidate can win from the GOP.

Reagan wasn't right center - and the press painted him as stupid . . . .

GrumpyOldLady

10-13-2009, 12:37 PM

Agreed. There's no way Obama's losing to Sarah Palin.

She wouldn't make it as far as Republican Nominee.
She quit. It's over for her except the book deal and some speaking events.
Look to Romney, Crist, Frist, Jindal or Pawlenty.
That's who we'll see in 2012. Betchya.

PoliCon

10-13-2009, 01:11 PM

She wouldn't make it as far as Republican Nominee.
She quit. It's over for her except the book deal and some speaking events.
Look to Romney, Crist, Frist, Jindal or Pawlenty.
That's who we'll see in 2012. Betchya.

remember how everyone was counting McCain out?

Rockntractor

10-13-2009, 01:21 PM

remember how everyone was counting McCain out?

That was kind of a freak deal with the conservative vote being split before the primaries but it could happen again. Huckabee should have bowed out! He was a spoiler.

PoliCon

10-13-2009, 01:53 PM

That was kind of a freak deal with the conservative vote being split before the primaries but it could happen again. Huckabee should have bowed out! He was a spoiler.

That - but lets not discount the roll of the press in his selection - or the part OPEN primaries and same day registration played either.

Goldwater

10-13-2009, 01:54 PM

What an insult to Reagan.

Rockntractor

10-13-2009, 02:00 PM

That - but lets not discount the roll of the press in his selection - or the part OPEN primaries and same day registration played either.
Your right on that too.

Rockntractor

10-13-2009, 02:03 PM

What an insult to Reagan.

He could be insulted in much, much worse ways. Like when They compared Obama to him during the election to bring over Reagen democrats.

lacarnut

10-13-2009, 02:27 PM

Every poll that I've seen that includes her as a possible Presidential candidate she has won handily .People are angry and distrust either national party with the liberal Democrats being the least trusted and absolutely feared and hated by the Senior Citizens.

The Republicans aren't much better with that traitorous McCain,Lindsey,Snow and the rest of the RINO'S kissing liberals asses at every opportunity .

The Liberal media whine about some Republicans being too far to the right but ignore the anti Constitutional Liberal who are too far to the left !

There isn't a single critter in high office in either party who I would vote for this term except Palin,If she runs.

If I had my way the entire Congress would be run out of office never to serve again .If we can survive that Communistic Idiot in the White House we will be,as an nation,very,very fortunate !

She has my vote plus she had more experience than that fool in the WH today.

What we do not need is another RINO like McCain and health care advocate Rommey. Newt is getting a little soft in the head appearing with the likes of grease-ball Al. The Repub party is f. up from soup to nuts and needs a dynamic leader like Palin who will energize the party instead of some apologetic wet noodle like most of the critters in DC.

I don't see any outstanding Governors. Jindal comes from my home state but he is like Fred Thompson. No fire in his belly. Obama is a great politician and orator. It will take someone that will stand toe to toe with him and not wilt like a wall flower like McCain. In my opinion, she can do that. She ate Biden's lunch in the VP debate.

megimoo

10-13-2009, 02:57 PM

Which I don't understand.
She quit. She's done on a national level.
So why are they still afraid??
It doesn't make sense.
The left is out to smear her to keep her out of possible contention .

There is one 'Old Crow' and Palin critic Andree McLeod in Alaska who has an record of frivolous law suits against anyone she disagrees with politically .

The barrage of litigation's and legal costs have to be paid by Pailn and they were incurring bills without end so she decided to quit her office rather than go further into the hole.Every suit brought before the ethics commission have been rejected as frivolous .

Someone on the left like Move_On is funding Palin critic Andree McLeod's efforts behind the scene to tie Pailn up in court with bogus ethic charges and legal bills .

Palin is playing the game of,If you really want me convince me.If you are really serious about me running for POTUS support my candidacy.Prove to me that you want me !She sounds just like any young woman being courted !

You sound hard left and are out to dissuade even her consideration by Conservatives .

She has a reputation for toughness and determination and has proven that she can play hardball with the best of them .

She ,being honest and conservative and having a large family and a working class husband are not wealthy.

The well known lefty trick is to sic the blood sucking trial lawyers on their opponents to run up legal bills and run them out of contention .

Her record as Governor in Alaska is that of one of one tough lady.She ran against the 'old boy' Republican club and beat them .
...................
She flew all the way from Texas to Alaska this April after her water broke?A Wall Street Journal profile reports that she first felt contractions before speaking at an energy summit in Dallas.

Her doctor in Alaska told her to rest, but Palin carried on with the speech,rushed to the airport, got on a jet to Alaska, landed in Anchorage, then gave birth after driving 45 miles to a hospital in Palmer, Alaska.
.................
Her workout secret is Running. Palin claims she likes to jog between seven and 10 miles every day; since giving birth to her fifth child in April, she's already worked her way up to three-mile runs. Her diet is "heavy in wild Alaskan seafood, moose, caribou and fresh fruit."

As governor, Palin signed ethics legislation limiting lobbyists' access to government officials and calling for more transparency in their dealings with Alaskan pols.

As ethics commissioner of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, she accused a fellow Republican of illegally taking money from energy firms. (He later paid a large fine for his transgressions.)

She has also reduced the perks of positions she's held personally: She put the governor's private jet up for sale on eBay and laid off her personal chef. As mayor of Wasilla, she cut her own salary.

She sounds even tougher than Regan !

lacarnut

10-13-2009, 03:18 PM

She wouldn't make it as far as Republican Nominee.
She quit. It's over for her except the book deal and some speaking events.
Look to Romney, Crist, Frist, Jindal or Pawlenty.
That's who we'll see in 2012. Betchya.

Obama quit to become Prez. Two governors quit to become members of the Admin.

I would like to see Palin gives a news conference indicating that one of the reason for her resignation (not quit) is that she had to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars defending frivolous law suits. Having that kind of debt would resonate with most people. She resigned for self preservation. She also could state that she will do all in her power to enact tort reform which is a drag on the economy and health care system. She could eat Obama's lunch on that point.

She will in all likelihood be the nominee in 2012. I would not vote for RINO's like Romeny, Crist or Frist.

Rockntractor

10-13-2009, 03:20 PM

Obama quit to become Prez. Two governors quit to become members of the Admin.

I would like to see Palin gives a news conference indicating that one of the reason for her resignation (not quit) is that she had to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars defending frivolous law suits. Having that kind of debt would resonate with most people. She resigned for self preservation. She also could state that she will do all in her power to enact tort reform which is a drag on the economy and health care system. She could eat Obama's lunch on that point.

She will in all likelihood be the nominee in 2012. I would not vote for RINO's like Romeny, Crist or Frist.
Palin quit to be on facebook.